Extended coverage ordinary hazard horizontal dry type sprinkler and system

ABSTRACT

A dry sidewall sprinkler and system and methods of installation provide extended coverage for ordinary hazard commodities. The preferred sprinkler and systems provide for sidewall ordinary hazard fire protection beneath a sloped or horizontal overhang extending from a structure by at least ten feet proximate to a garage or loading dock in accordance with applicable sections of NFPA-13 (2007).

PRIORITY CLAIM & INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

This application is a Divisional application Ser. No. 12/105,480, filedApr. 18, 2008 which claims the benefit of priority to U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 60/912,643, filed on Apr. 18, 2007 each of theapplications above is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) promulgates standardsrelating to fire protection such as, for example, NFPA Standard 13(2007) (hereinafter “NFPA-13 (2007)”), portions of which areincorporated in their entirety herein by reference thereto and attachedhereto accordingly. For example Chapter 8, of NFPA-13 (2007), which isincorporated herein in its entirety is applicable to sidewall spraysprinklers. For example, Section 8.4.2 of NFPA-13 (2007) provides thatsidewall sprinklers shall only be installed as follows: (i) light hazardoccupancies with smooth, horizontal or sloped flat ceilings, and (2)ordinary hazard occupancies with smooth, flat ceilings wherespecifically listed for such use. Section 8.9 of NFPA-13 (2007) providesthat for extended coverage sidewall sprinklers the maximum allowableprotection coverage area for ordinary hazard is 400 square feet.

NFPA-13 (2007) specifically defines Ordinary Hazard Occupancies inChapter 5 which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. Section5.3.1 defines an Ordinary Hazard—Group 1 occupancies as being wherecombustibility is low, the quantity of combustibles is moderate,stockpiles of combustibles do not exceed eight feet and fires withmoderate rates of heat release are expected. Section 5.3.2 defines anOrdinary Hazard—Group 2 occupancies as being where combustibility andquantity of combustibles is moderate to high, stockpiles of combustibleswith moderate rates of heat release do not exceed twelve feet andstockpiles of combustibles with high rates of heat release do not exceedeight feet. Each of Sections 5.3.1 and 5.3.2 provide that dedicated andmiscellaneous storage shall be protected in accordance with applicablesections of Chapters 12 and 13 of NFPA-13 (2007), each of which areincorporated by reference.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The preferred embodiments disclosed herein are believed to be the firstdry sidewall sprinkler and dry sprinkler installations that providesextended coverage for ordinary hazard commodities. Moreover, thepreferred systems and methods provide for sidewall ordinary hazard fireprotection beneath a sloped or horizontal overhang extending from astructure by at least ten feet preferably proximate to a garage orloading dock in accordance with applicable sections of NFPA-13 (2007).

An advantage of the preferred sprinkler assembly and installation isthat it permits the design of a sprinkler system that providesprotection to an area that is subject to freezing temperatures bykeeping the wet type portions of the system in a controlled environmentand protected from freezing temperatures. In the preferred sprinklersystem, the wet type portion of the sprinkler system is disposed in anenvironment that maintains a temperature above the freezing temperatureof water. The dry type portion of the sprinkler system, including thepreferred sprinkler assembly, extends from the wet type portion of thesystem through a barrier or wall and into an area that is subject tofreezing temperatures. More preferably, the wet type system is disposedinternal to a building having a controlled temperature and the dry typeportion extends from the wet type and through a wall of the buildinginto an area with an uncontrolled temperature or a temperature that isbelow the freezing temperature of water, such as into a freezer or outto an external environment to the building. Most preferably, the wettype portion is disposed internal to a building and the dry type portionextends through an exterior wall of the building to an area outside ofthe building, such as to an area adjacent to an external loading dock tothe building.

Another advantage of the sprinkler assembly is that it permits asprinkler system design that provides protection to an area that issubject to freezing temperatures without the need for a second dry typesystem. The sprinkler assembly connects directly to the wet type portionof the system without the need for a secondary dry type system in thearea subject to the freezing temperatures.

Accordingly, a preferred embodiment of the present invention provides ahorizontal sidewall, dry type sprinkler assembly and system. Thepreferred sprinkler includes a tubular casing having a proximal end anda distal end, the proximal end of the dry tube for connection to a wetsystem having a liquid supply. The casing defines a dry passageway alonga longitudinal axis when the sprinkler is unactuated and furtherprovides communication of liquid between the proximal and the distal endwhen the sprinkler is actuated. The preferred sprinkler further includesa sprinkler body coupled to the distal end of the tube. The bodyincludes a frame and a pair of frame arms extending distal of the frame.The frame defines an outlet in communication with the passageway fordischarge of the liquid. Distal of the outlet is a deflector coupled tothe frame arms for distribution of the liquid discharged from theoutlet. A sealing assembly is disposed within the passageway to controlliquid flow from the supply to the frame outlet. The sealing assemblypreferably includes a seat member disposed in the outlet having aproximal surface disposed within the passageway for engaging the liquidupon activation of the sprinkler The proximal surface defining at leasta portion oblique to the longitudinal axis and a portion transverse tothe longitudinal axis. The preferred sprinkler further preferablyprovides extended coverage for ordinary hazard occupancies.

The preferred sprinkler has an actuated and an unactuated statecontrolled by a thermally responsive device. The thermally responsivedevice is preferably a thermally sensitive bulb that supports apreferred sealing assembly to control the discharge of fire fightingliquid from the sprinkler In the unactuated state, the bulb is supportedagainst the preferred seat member. In response to a fire of a sufficientheat release, the thermally sensitive bulb shatters to actuate thesprinkler Accordingly, a preferred method is provided for operating anactuated dry sidewall sprinkler having a sprinkler body defining asprinkler axis and including a frame defining an outlet and having apair of distally extending frame arms that converge toward the axis todefine a frame window. The sprinkler includes a seat member disposed inthe outlet having a proximal surface and a distal surface, and themethod preferably includes locating the seat member of the actuatedsprinkler in the frame window, engaging the pair of frame arms with twopoints along the periphery of the distal surface of the seat member todefine a pivot axis substantially perpendicular to the sprinkler axis,and rotating the seat member about the pivot axis with fluid dischargefrom the outlet to eject the seat member from the window.

Another preferred embodiment provides a fire protection systeminstallation for fire protection of an ordinary hazard beneath a slopedceiling adjacent a vertical back wall in which the ceiling has a slopedefined by a maximum rise of four inches per one foot of run. The systempreferably includes a liquid supply and at least one sidewall sprinklerinstalled along the backwall beneath the ceiling. The sprinklerpreferably includes a tube having a proximal end and a distal end, theproximal end of the dry tube for connection to a liquid supply. The tubepreferably defines a dry passageway along a longitudinal sprinkler axiswhen the sprinkler is unactuated and further provides communication ofthe liquid between the proximal and the distal end when the sprinkler isactuated.

A sprinkler body is coupled to the distal end of the tube. The bodypreferably includes a frame and a pair of frame arms extending distal ofthe frame. The frame defines an outlet in communication with thepassageway for discharge of the liquid when the sprinkler is actuated. Adeflector coupled to the frame arms and distally spaced from the outletfor distribution of the liquid discharged from the outlet, the deflectorincludes a canopy portion radially spaced from the sprinkler axis, thesprinkler being installed such that the canopy portion is substantiallyparallel to the sloped ceiling so as to define a space therebetween ofabout six to twelve inches (6 in.-12 in.). In the installation, theliquid is supplied to the inlet of the at least one sprinkler at aminimum pressure such that upon activation of the at least onesprinkler, a minimum flow rate of the liquid ranging from about 38 GPMto about 64 GPM and a length of throw of liquid deflected off thedeflector of about 16 FT to about 20 FT are provided.

Another preferred embodiment provides a method of fire protection for anordinary hazard occupancy having a ceiling and a backwall. The methodincludes mounting at least one sidewall sprinkler having an actuated andan unactuated state and a deflector in a horizontal orientation alongthe backwall of the occupancy such that deflect defines adeflector-to-ceiling spacing of about 6 in. to about 12 in. Thepreferred method includes coupling an inlet of the sprinkler to a liquidsupply such that there is a dry passageway ranging in length from about4 inches to about 48 inches between the inlet and the deflector when thesprinkler is unactuated and further providing fluid communicationbetween the inlet and the deflector when the sprinkler is actuated. Evenfurther the preferred method includes providing a coverage area rangingfrom about 256 square feet to about 320 square feet.

Another preferred embodiment of dry sidewall horizontal sprinkler isprovided having an actuated and an actuated state. The sprinklerincludes a tube having a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal endof the dry tube is for connection to a liquid supply, and the tubedefines a dry passageway along a longitudinal sprinkler axis when thesprinkler is unactuated and provides communication of the liquid betweenthe proximal and the distal ends when the sprinkler is actuated. Asprinkler body is coupled to the distal end of the tube. The bodyincludes a frame and a pair of frame arms extending distal of the frame.The frame defines an outlet in communication with the passageway fordischarge of the liquid when the sprinkler is actuated. A deflector iscoupled to the frame arms and distally spaced from the outlet fordistribution of the liquid discharged from the outlet. The deflectorincludes a canopy portion radially spaced from the sprinkler axis. Thedeflector providing an extended coverage protection area at a density of0.15 GPM per square foot to 0.20 GPM per square foot for an ordinaryhazard occupancy.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and constitutepart of this specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments of theinvention, and, together with the general description given above andthe detailed description given below, serve to explain the features ofthe invention.

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a preferred installation of asidewall sprinkler

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a another preferred installation.

FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of the sidewall sprinkler of FIG. 1along line IIIA-IIIA.

FIG. 3B is a detailed cross-sectional view of the sprinkler of FIG. 3Aalong line IIIB-IIIB

FIGS. 4A-4C are elevation, cross-sectional and plan views of a sprinklerframe for use in the sprinkler of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 5A-5B is a cross-sectional and plan view of a bulb seat for use inthe sprinkler of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 6A-6C are elevation, side and plan views of a deflector for use inthe sprinkler of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 7A-7B are alternate installations of the sprinkler of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Shown in FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a preferred sprinklerinstallation for providing fire protection to an occupancy. Morespecifically, shown is a preferred sidewall sprinkler 10 installed suchthat its sprinkler axis IIIA-IIIA is oblique to and more preferablyhorizontally over an occupancy which the sprinkler 10 protects. Thepreferred sprinkler installation preferably provides extended coverageordinary hazard (ECOH) fire protection from a horizontal sidewallsprinkler In particular, the sprinkler 10 is preferably for use inordinary hazard occupancies with non-combustible unobstructedconstruction and with a ceiling slope not exceeding two inches of riseper one foot of run. Moreover, the preferred sprinkler 10 and itsinstallation provides fire protection to an area that is subject tofreezing temperatures by providing a dry sprinkler assembly sufficientto protect the wet or liquid supply piping to which it is coupled fromfreezing.

Generally the sprinkler 10 has a dry sprinkler assembly that includes aninlet at its proximal end 12 and an outlet at its distal end 14. In theinstallation of the sprinkler 10, the inlet is coupled to a liquid orwet fire fighting source such as, for example, a water supply or branchpipe 16. The proximal end 12 of the sprinkler 10 is preferablythreadedly engaged with a fitting 13 of the wet supply pipe 16 locatedin an above-freezing environment 5. In particular, the proximal end 12can include 1 inch to 1½ inch (1-1½ in.) NPT or other pipe thread andmore preferably one inch NPT (1 in. NPT). The distal end 14 of thesprinkler 10 extends from or is mounted to a mounting surface orbackwall 17 at a distance L₂ such that the outlet is located withinand/or above the occupancy 7 being protected which may be subject tofreezing conditions. The preferred sprinkler 10 and its dry assemblyprevent liquid from standing stagnant in the distal end 14 of thesprinkler 10 thereby avoiding freezing of the liquid supply in eitherthe sprinkler 10 or the water supply 16 by conduction.

More specifically, the sprinkler 10 axially spaces the distal end 14from the proximal end 12 to define an axial distance therebetween tominimize the conduction of heat from the proximal end to the distal endto prevent freezing of the liquid supply. Moreover, the sprinkler 10 hastwo states: (i) an unactuated state and (ii) an actuated state thatcontrols fluid communication or flow of the liquid between the inlet andthe outlet of the sprinkler 10. The sprinkler 10 is preferablyconfigured with a sealing assembly that in the unactuated state preventsliquid from entering the inlet of the sprinkler 10 and in the actuatedstate allows for the liquid to enter the inlet and flow to the outletfor discharge from the sprinkler 10. Accordingly, the combination of thespacing between the proximal and distal ends 12, 14 with the fluidcontrol at the inlet facilitates the use of the sprinkler 10 inoccupancies subject to freezing conditions with a direct inletconnection to a liquid or wet piping supply.

The preferred sprinkler 10 further includes a deflector 18 at its distalend. When the sprinkler is in its actuated state and appropriatelyinstalled in accordance with applicable sections of NFPA-13 (2007) suchthat the deflector is located at a distance H, six to twelve inchesbelow the ceiling (6 in.-12 in.), liquid enters the inlet of thesprinkler 10 is discharged from the outlet and impacts the deflector 18and is distributed over the protection area at a sufficient density fora preferred coverage area to effectively address a fire in the occupancy7. Where the sprinkler is installed as a sidewall sprinkler formiscellaneous storage, the sprinkler is preferably installed so as todefine a clearance space of at least thirty-six inches between the topof the deflector 18 and any miscellaneous storage 19. The sprinkler 10and its deflector 18 are configured to define preferably extendedcoverage areas for ordinary hazard occupancy installations. Accordingly,the preferred sprinkler 10 and its installation provide a coverage areagreater than the standard one hundred square feet of coverage area.Preferably, the sprinkler 10 and its installation provide protection forcoverage areas ranging from about 256 square feet up to about 320 squarefeet. More preferably, the coverage area provided by the preferredsprinkler 10 and its installation are 256 square feet, 288 square feetand 320 square feet.

The coverage areas of the sprinkler 10 is defined by the distance atwhich the deflector 18 can distribute the liquid discharged from theoutlet of the sprinkler 10. Preferably, the deflector 18 can distributewater from the outlet in the axial direction of the sprinkler so as todefine a throw length of the sprinkler 10 of up to about twenty feet (20ft.), and further radially distribute the discharged water over a spanof about sixteen feet measured at the backwall laterally about thesprinkler axis. Accordingly, for a 256 square foot coverage area, thesprinkler 10 defines a span of about sixteen feet and a throw length ofabout sixteen feet (16 ft×16 ft); for a 288 square foot coverage area,the sprinkler 10 defines a span of about sixteen feet and a throw lengthof about eighteen feet (16 ft×18 ft); and for a 320 square foot coveragearea, the sprinkler 10 defines a span of about sixteen feet and a throwlength of about twenty feet (16 ft×20 ft).

The preferred coverage areas can further define a minimum lateralspacing between similarly configured sidewall sprinklers 10 locatedalong a common backwall. Preferably, the sprinkler 10 and its coveragearea preferably define a minimum lateral spacing from sprinkleraxis-to-sprinkler axis of about eight feet.

The performance of the sprinkler 10 is further preferably defined by theflow rate of the water discharged from the sprinkler 10. Morespecifically, a preferred flow rate ensures that the sprinkler 10provides a sufficient water distribution density to a given preferredcoverage area in accordance with any applicable fire protectionstandard, such as, for example, Section 13.2.2 of NFPA 13 (2007).According to the Section 13.2.2., in the protection of Ordinary HazardGroup 1 storage, each of the coverage areas for the preferred sprinkler10 require a water distribution density of about 0.15 gallons per minuteper square foot (0.15 GPM/SQ. FT). Section 13.2.2. of NFPA-13 (2007)provides that in the protection of Ordinary Hazard Group 2 storage, eachof the coverage areas for the preferred sprinkler 10 require a waterdistribution density of about 0.20 gallons per minute per square foot(0.20 GPM/SQ. FT).

Accordingly, in order for the sprinkler 10 to satisfy the distributiondensity of 0.15 GPM/SQ. FT. for Ordinary Hazard Group 1 storage, thesprinkler 10 and its installation are preferably configured to providewater discharge from the outlet at a minimum flow rate ranging fromabout thirty-eight gallons per minute (38 GPM) to about forty-eightgallons per minute (48 GPM). More specifically, where the sprinkler 10is installed for Ordinary Hazard Group 1 storage having a coverage areaof 256 square feet, the sprinkler 10 is configured to discharge waterfrom the outlet at a minimum flow rate of about 38 GPM. Where thesprinkler 10 is installed for Ordinary Hazard Group 1 storage having acoverage area of 288 square feet, the sprinkler 10 is configured todischarge water from the outlet at a minimum flow rate of about 43 GPM.Where the sprinkler 10 is installed for Ordinary Hazard Group 1 storagehaving a coverage area of 320 square feet, the sprinkler 10 isconfigured to discharge water from the outlet at a minimum flow rate ofabout 48 GPM.

In order for the sprinkler 10 to satisfy the distribution density of0.20 GPM/SQ. FT. for Ordinary Hazard Group 2 storage, the sprinkler 10and its installation are preferably configured to provide waterdischarge from the outlet at a minimum flow rate ranging from aboutfifty-one gallons per minute (51 GPM) to about sixty-four gallons perminute (64 GPM). More specifically, where the sprinkler 10 is installedfor Ordinary Hazard Group 2 storage having a coverage area of 256 squarefeet, the sprinkler 10 is configured to discharge water from the outletat a minimum flow rate of about 51 GPM. Where the sprinkler 10 isinstalled for Ordinary Hazard Group 2 storage having a coverage area of288 square feet, the sprinkler 10 is configured to discharge water fromthe outlet at a minimum flow rate of about 58 GPM. Where the sprinkler10 is installed for Ordinary Hazard Group 2 storage having a coveragearea of 320 square feet, the sprinkler 10 is configured to dischargewater from the outlet at a minimum flow rate of about 64 GPM.

Providing the sprinkler 10 with the requisite discharge flow rate ispreferably a function of the sprinkler structure and the pressure of theliquid supplied to the sprinkler More specifically, the sprinkler 10defines a preferred discharge coefficient or K-factor K of greater than5.8 GPM/(PSI)^(1/2), such as for example about 8 GPM/(PSI)^(1/2), morepreferably ranging from about 10.2 GPM/(psi)^(1/2) to about 11.2GPM/(psi)^(1/2) and is even more preferably about 11.2 GPM/(PSI)^(1/2).The flow rate Q from a sprinkler is substantially a function of thedischarge coefficient and the supply pressure P as defined by theformula: Q=K*(P)^(1/2).

Accordingly, for the sprinkler 10 with a preferred nominal K-factor of11.2 GPM/(PSI)^(1/2), the following minimum pressures indicated blow inTable 1 provide for the corresponding preferred minimum flow rates tothe preferred sprinkler coverage areas so as to satisfy the distributiondensity requirements of NFPA 13 (2007).

TABLE 1 Discharge Density Minimum Coverage Area Requirement Minimum FlowPressure (Square Feet) (GPM/SQ. FT) Rate (GPM) (PSI) 256 0.15 38 11.5256 0.20 51 20.7 288 0.15 43 14.7 288 0.20 58 26.8 320 0.15 48 18.4 3200.20 64 32.7

The sprinkler 10 can further be used in another preferred installation.Shown schematically in FIG. 2 is the sprinkler 10 installed along abackwall 17 beneath a sloped ceiling 20 having a maximum roof slope adefined by a four inch rise per one foot run or about an eighteen degree(18°) slope. Such an occupancy configuration is used, for example, inloading docks. The sprinkler 10 is coupled to a wet water supply pipe(not shown) in a manner as described above and installed in accordancewith installation requirements of Section 8.9 of NFPA-13 (2007). Thesprinkler 10 can further be installed using the deflector-to-ceilingdistances H and minimum water pressure parameters described above toprovide for fire protection with the coverage areas and distributiondensities described above. Accordingly, the preferred sprinkler 10 withits dry assembly can provide fire protection to the loading areas withsloped ceilings or overhangs that are subject to freezing temperatures.

Shown in FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of the sprinkler 10, the drysprinkler assembly preferably includes a tubular outer casing 30extending along the sprinkler axis A-A having the proximal end 12 forlocating the inlet 32 and the distal end 14 for locating the outlet 34.The casing 30 is substantially a substantially tubular member definingthe passageway 36 for conveying the liquid between the inlet 32 and theoutlet 34 of the sprinkler 10.

Preferably disposed about the proximal end 12 of the casing 30 is aninlet member 40 to further define the inlet 32. The inlet member 32 issubstantially cylindrical member preferably having an internal threadend at its distal end for threaded engagement about the proximal end 12of the casing 30. The outer surface of the inlet member 40 is alsopreferably threaded for threaded engagement with the fitting 13 of thesupply pipe 16. The proximal end of the inlet member 40 has an openingcentrally aligned along the sprinkler axis A-A to define fluidcommunication between the liquid supply 16, the passageway 36 and theoutlet 34.

Disposed and secured at the distal end 14 of the casing 30 is asprinkler body or frame 38. At its proximal end, the sprinkler frame 38is preferably externally threaded for threaded engagement with aninternal distal portion of the casing 30. The outer surface furtherpreferably radially broadens toward its distal end to define a shoulderfor engagement with the distal edge of the casing 30. The frame 38 hasan inlet at its proximal end in fluid communication with the fluidpassageway 36 and an opening at its distal end to define the outlet 34of the sprinkler 10 from which water/liquid discharges to impact thedeflector 18.

Further referring to FIGS. 3A, 4A and 4B, the sprinkler frame 38includes a pair of frame arms 38 a, 38 b diametrically disposed aboutthe frame axis B-B. The frame arms 38 a, 38 b extend distally of theoutlet 34 and preferably converge about the sprinkler axis A-A to definea boss 39 to engage and distally locate the deflector 18 relative to theremainder of the sprinkler 10. More preferably, the frame arms 38 a, 38b extend linearly in the distal direction from the distal surface of theframe 38 and then converge so that each arm defines a radius ofcurvature. The frame arms 38 a, 38 b further define a sprinkler window38 d through which water passes to wet the area below the installedsprinkler 10 and further wet the backwall 17. The sprinkler frame 38includes an interior surface defining a passageway 38 c between theinlet of the frame 38 and the outlet 34. The passageway 38 c isdimensioned to receive a tubular element which defines at least in-partthe preferred K-Factor of 10.2 GPM/(PSI)^(1/2)-11.2 GPM/(PSI)^(1/2) andmore preferably 11.2 GPM/(PSI)^(1/2). Shown in the plan view of FIG. 4C,is a plan view of the sprinkler frame 38. At least a portion of theperipheral surface of the sprinkler 38 defining a polygonal geometry 41for engagement with an installation tool.

Referring again to FIG. 3A, disposed within the passageway 36 ofsprinkler 10 is a sealing assembly 42 aligned along the axis A-A forcontrolling the unactuated and the actuated states of the sprinkler 10.The sealing assembly 42 includes a plug assembly for sealing the inlet32 of the sprinkler in the unactuated state. The plug assembly includesa plug 44 b having a gasketed spring seal 44 a disposed about the plug44 b. The plug 44 a is pivotally connected to a yoke 46 which isconfigured to axially slide within the casing to displace the plugassembly from inlet 32 to permit fluid to enter the passageway 36. Theyoke 46 is biased axially in the distal direction by a spring element 48disposed within the inlet member 40.

Resisting the spring bias so as to locate the yoke 46 and the plugassembly in the sealed position within the inlet 32, the sealingassembly 42 further preferably includes an elongate water or other firefighting liquid tube 50 disposed within the passageway of the casing 30and having an interior passageway in fluid communication with thepassageway 36 of the casing and a proximal end engaged with and in axialsupport of the yoke 46. Disposed within the distal end of the water tube50 is an insert member 52. The insert member 52 defines an outershoulder for engaging the distal edge of the water tube 50 to limit theaxial travel of the insert in the proximal direction of the water tube50. The insert member 52 further defines an interior shoulder forengagement with the proximal end of a guide tube 54. The guide tube 54extends distally along the passageway 36 and terminates within thepassageway of the sprinkler frame 38 to engage a bulb seat 56.

The bulb seat 56 is disposed within the outlet 34. Shown morespecifically in FIG. 3B, the distal surface of the bulb seat 56 includesan axially aligned receptacle for receipt of a thermally sensitivedevice to thermally trigger actuation and operation of the sprinkler 10.Preferably the thermally sensitive device is a glass bulb 58 preferablyrated to one of 155° F. and 200° F. The bulb 58 is compressively securedto the seat 56 by a compression screw 60 threadedly disposed within acentral bore formed in the boss 39. The bulb 60 resists the spring biasof the spring member 46 to secure the plug assembly 44 a, 44 b withinthe inlet 32 of the proximal end 12 of the sprinkler 10 and furthersecure the bulb seat 56 within the outlet 34 of the distal end 14 of thesprinkler 10. The use of the thermally responsive bulb 58 provides for apreferred configuration of actuating the sprinkler 10 by eliminating theneed for an ejector spring or other mechanical linkage to open theoutlet 34.

In operation of the sprinkler 10 installed in a manner as describedabove, a fire heats the liquid in the bulb 58 so as to shatter the bulb58 and actuate the sprinkler 10. With the bulb 58 displaced, the springmember biases and displaces the yoke 46, water tube 30, insert member 52and guide tube 54 in the distal direction so as to axially displace theplug assembly 44 a, 44 b from the inlet 32 and the bulb seat 56 from theoutlet 34. With the plug assembly 44 a, 44 b displaced from the inlet,liquid enters the passageway 36 to fill the casing 30 and the water tube50 to engage the proximal surface of the bulb seat 50. Water or otherfire fighting liquid engaging the proximal surface of the bulb seat 56pushes the bulb seat from the distal end of the guide tube 54 for wateror other liquid discharge from the outlet 34.

Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, shown are a cross-section and plan view ofthe bulb seat 56 which is preferably machined from brass. The bulb seat56 preferably defines a total axial length X₁ of about 0.5 inches andmore preferably 0.52 inches. The bulb seat 56 further preferablyincludes a proximal portion for insertion in the passageway of thesprinkler frame 38 and a broader distal portion to define a shoulder forengagement with a distal surface of the sprinkler frame 38. A steptransition is preferably formed between the broader distal portion andthe narrower proximal portion. The bulb seat 56 preferably defines amaximum peripheral diameter D₁ of about 0.8 inches in the broader distalportion, and a maximum peripheral diameter D₂ of about 0.7 inches in theproximal portion at the point of the step transition. The proximalportion further preferably includes an angled surface 56 a thatinitiates from its periphery and extends obliquely toward the bulb seataxis C-C. The angled surface 56 a preferably initiates along theperiphery at a distance of X₂ about 0.26 inches from the distal endsurface of the bulb seat 56, and the broader distal portion extendsproximally from the distal end surface for a preferred distance X₃ ofabout 0.23 inches. Accordingly, the angled surface 56 a preferablyinitiates at about the mid-point of the total axial length X₁ of thebulb seat. The angled surface 56 a continues to the proximal end surface56 b of the bulb seat 56 so as to preferably define an angle θ of abouttwenty-nine degrees (29°) relative to a line transverse to the axis C-C.More preferably, angled surface 56 a crosses the seat axis C-C. At thepoint where the angled surface 56 a terminates at the proximal end, theproximal end surface 56 b radially extends to the periphery of theproximal portion of the seat 56 transverse to the axis C-C. Accordingly,the proximal portion of the bulb seat 56 tapers transverse to its axissuch that the bulb seat 56 has more mass to one side of the seat axisC-C than the other side of the axis such that the center of mass of thebulb seat 56 is radially offset from the seat axis C-C.

In addition to defining the impact location with the frame arms 38 a, 38b, the diameter D₁ of the distal surface of the bulb seat furtherpreferably defines the dimensions of the various surfaces 56 a, 56 b, 56c, D₂ of the bulb seat 56. In view of the dimensions provided above, thediameters of the proximal and distal portions define a ratio D₂:D₁ ofabout 0.88:1. The ratio of the overall seat length to maximum diameterX₁:D₁ is preferably about 0.63:1. The ratio of the angled surfaceinitiating distance to maximum diameter X₂:D₁ is preferably about0.33:1, and the ratio of the distal portion axial length to maximumdiameter X₃:D₁ is preferably about 0.29:1.

When the bulb seat 56 is installed at the distal end of the insert tube54 within the sprinkler 10, a preferred water passageway geometry 36 isdefined. Specifically, the angled surface 56 a allows water/liquid thathas entered passageway 36 to engage the proximal surface 56 a, 56 b ofthe bulb seat in an uneven manner The uneven engagement of the wateragainst the bulb seat 56 facilitates removal or ejection of the bulbseat 56 from the distal end of the insert tube to clear the passagewayfor the flowing water to impact the deflector 18. The impact of thewater discharge further drives the bulb seat 56 into the frame arms 38a, 38 b so as to impact the frame arms at two points 38 e, 38 f with twopoints 56 e, 56 f along the bulb seat peripheral edge 56 d formed by theintersection of the distal and peripheral surface of the distal portion.The distal and peripheral surfaces of the distal portion of the bulbseat 56 preferably intersect one another perpendicularly so as to definea substantially linear edge 56 d. Alternatively, the edge 56 d may bedefined by a chamfered surface between the distal and peripheralsurfaces of the distal portion of the bulb seat 56. Preferably, thedistal portion of the bulb seat 56 and the sprinkler frame window 38 dare dimensioned such that the point of contact 38 e, 38 f isintermediate the outlet 34 and the boss 39. The two points of engagementof the peripheral edge 56 e, 56 f and the frame arms 38 e, 38 f togetherdefine a pivot axis D-D about which the bulb seat 56 can pivot out ofthe frame window 38 d. The two contact points 56 e, 56 f of the bulbseat 56 can be diametrically opposed as seen for example, in FIG. 3A orthey may define a shorter chord length therebetween provided they aresufficiently far apart to intersect the frame arms 38 a, 38 bintermediate the outlet 34 and the boss 39 and form the pivot axis D-D.Given the preferred design of the bulb seat 56 described above, thecenter of mass of the bulb seat 56 is offset from the plane defined bythe pivot axis D-D and the sprinkler axis A-A such that the impact ofthe water discharge on the proximal surfaces 56 a, 56 b of the bulb seatrotate the bulb seat about the axis D-D out of the sprinkler framewindow 38 d. Accordingly, the configuration of the bulb seat 56 incombination with the frame arms 38 a, 38 b utilizes the dischargingwater or other fluid to clear the sprinkler frame window 38 d and thuseliminates the need for a spring or other mechanical linkage to clearthe bulb seat from the window 38 d and discharge path.

With the sprinkler 10 installed in its horizontal sidewallconfiguration, as seen for example in FIG. 3B, the bulb seat 56 ispreferably installed and oriented so that the angled surface 56 a issubstantially located above the sprinkler axis A-A. Moreover, the angledsurface 56 a is preferably oriented such that the centerline VA-VAbisecting the surface 56 is centrally disposed between the frame arms 38a, 38 b. To facilitate the proper orientation of the bulb seat 56 andits angled surface 56 a, the distal portion of the bulb seat 56preferably includes an axially extending notch or groove 56 c, shown forexample in FIGS. 5A and 5B along the peripheral surface of the distalportion, preferably along the axial length X₃ of the distal portion, andfurther preferably axially aligned with the centerline VA-VA of theangled surface 56 a. Moreover, the groove 56 b is preferably locatedalong the portion of the periphery of the bulb seat 56 b diametricallyopposed to where the angled surface 56 a peripherally initiates. Thebulb seat 56 is properly oriented in the sprinkler frame 38 by aligningthe groove 56 b with a reference point on the sprinkler frame 38.

Shown in FIG. 4C is a plan view of the sprinkler frame 38. The referencepoint is preferably configured as an elongated ridge 57 located alongthe distal surface of the frame 38 that defines the discharge opening ofthe sprinkler frame passageway 38 c. The ridge 57 runs perpendicular toand bisects the plane or window 38 d that is defined by the frame arms38 a, 38 b. In the installation of the bulb seat 56 in the frame 38, thegroove 56 b of the seat 56 is aligned within seven degrees of the ridge57. Moreover, the groove 56 b is preferably located to the one side ofthe plane defined by the frame arms 38 a, 38 b opposite the top of thedeflector 18 so as to dispose a substantial portion of the angledsurface 56 a above the sprinkler axis A-A and a substantial mass of thebulb seat 56 below the sprinkler axis A-A as shown, for example, in FIG.3B.

The deflector 18 of the preferred sprinkler 10, as seen in FIG. 3B,preferably includes a face portion 18 a, a canopy portion 18 b and apair of arms 18 c supporting the canopy portion 18 b off the canopy faceportion 18 a. Shown in FIGS. 6A-6C is the deflector 18 in greaterdetail. The deflector 18 is preferably cut from a single blank of sheetmetal and bent to form. Accordingly, the face portion 18 a, canopyportion 18 b and arms 18 c together define a deflector window 18 dthrough which water can pass. The deflector face portion 18 a preferablyincludes a centralized bore 18 e for engagement about the boss 39 of thesprinkler frame 38. Accordingly, when mounted to the sprinkler frame 38,the face portion 18 a of the sprinkler frame 38 is substantiallyperpendicular to the sprinkler axis A-A. Radially disposed about thecentral bore 18 e are a plurality of slots 18 f defining tines 18 gtherebetween along the bottom portion of the face 18 a. Additional tines18 g can be formed along the top of the face portion 18 a. The slots 18f preferably vary in width along their direction of formation. Thedeflector arms 18 c are preferably located at the lateral ends of thedeflector 18. The arms 18 c are preferably arcuate to locate the canopyportion 18 b spaced from and above the face portion 18 a. Accordingly,the canopy portion 18 b forms the top of the deflector 18 disposed abovethe sprinkler axis A-A in each of the horizontal installations shown inFIGS. 1, 7A and 7B. Where FIG. 1 shows a dry sprinkler installationwithout an escutcheon, FIG. 7A shows a dry sprinkler with a flushescutcheon 70, and FIG. 7B shows a dry sprinkler with a deep escutcheon70′. Preferably, the canopy portion 18 b is a planar member, as seen forexample in FIGS. 6B and 6C, defining an angle γ of about three degreesand more preferably 2.5 degrees (2.5°) relative to a line parallel tothe deflector axis D-D or no more than eighty-eight degrees (88°)relative to a plane perpendicular to the deflector axis D-D.

As noted above, the preferred K-factor of 10.2-11.2 GPM/(PSI)^(1/2) ofthe sprinkler 10 is partially defined by the sprinkler frame passagewayand outlet. The preferred sprinkler is further preferably defined by thelength of the casing 30 and the internal sealing assembly 40. Morespecifically, a K-factor length is preferably defined by a function ofthe length L₁ between mounting surface 17 and the face of the fitting 13in the supply pipe 16. Shown in Table 2 below is the relation betweenthe mounting surface-to-fitting L₁, the preferred mountingconfiguration, a K-Factor Length determination, and the preferredK-factors.

TABLE 2 Mounting Configuration & K- K-Factor Length K-Factor FactorLength Determination (inches) (GPM/(PSI^()1/2)) w/o Escutcheon 2.5-14.75 11.2 L₁ − 2 in. Flush Escutcheon L₁ + ½ in. Deep EscutcheonL₁ + 3.25 in. w/o Escutcheon   15-18.75 10.9 L₁ − 2 in. Flush EscutcheonL₁ + ½ in. Deep Escutcheon L₁ + 3.25 in. w/o Escutcheon 19-23 10.8 L₁ −2 in. Flush Escutcheon L₁ + ½ in. Deep Escutcheon L₁ + 3.25 in. w/oEscutcheon 23.25-26.75 10.7 L₁ − 2 in. Flush Escutcheon L₁ + ½ in. DeepEscutcheon L₁ + 3.25 in. w/o Escutcheon 27.25-31.25 10.6 L₁ − 2 in.Flush Escutcheon L₁ + ½ in. Deep Escutcheon L₁ + 3.25 in. w/o Escutcheon 31.5-35.25 10.5 L₁ − 2 in. Flush Escutcheon L₁ + ½ in. Deep EscutcheonL₁ + 3.25 in. w/o Escutcheon 35.5-39.5 10.4 L₁ − 2 in. Flush EscutcheonL₁ + ½ in. Deep Escutcheon L₁ + 3.25 in. w/o Escutcheon 39.75-43.5  10.3L₁ − 2 in. Flush Escutcheon L₁ + ½ in. Deep Escutcheon L₁ + 3.25 in w/oEscutcheon 43.75-48   10.2 L₁ − 2 in. Flush Escutcheon L₁ + ½ in. DeepEscutcheon L₁ + 3.25 in.

While the present invention has been disclosed with reference to certainpreferred embodiments, numerous modifications, alterations, and changesto the described embodiments are possible without departing from thesphere and scope of the present invention, as described herein.Accordingly, it is intended that the present invention not be limited tothe described embodiments, but that it have the full scope defined bythe language of the following claims, and equivalents thereof.

1-23. (canceled)
 24. A fire protection system installation for fireprotection of an ordinary hazard beneath a sloped ceiling adjacent avertical back wall, the ceiling having a slope defined by a maximum riseof four inches per one foot of run the system comprising: a liquidsupply; and at least one sidewall sprinkler installed along the backwallbeneath the ceiling, the sprinkler including: a tube having a proximalend and a distal end, the proximal end of the dry tube for connection toa liquid supply, the tube defining a dry passageway along a longitudinalsprinkler axis when the sprinkler is unactuated and providingcommunication of the liquid between the proximal and the distal end whenthe sprinkler is actuated; a sprinkler body coupled to the distal end ofthe tube, the body including a frame and a pair of frame arms extendingdistal of the frame, the frame defining an outlet in communication withthe passageway for discharge of the liquid when the sprinkler isactuated; a deflector coupled to the frame arms and distally spaced fromthe outlet for distribution of the liquid discharged from the outlet,the deflector including a canopy portion radially spaced from thesprinkler axis, the sprinkler being installed such that the canopyportion is substantially parallel to the sloped ceiling so as to definea space therebetween of about six to twelve inches (6 in.-12 in.).wherein the liquid supply to the inlet of the at least one sprinklerbeing provided at a minimum pressure such that upon activation of the atleast one sprinkler defines a minimum flow rate of the liquid rangingfrom about 38 GPM to about 64 GPM and a length of throw of liquiddeflected off the deflector of about 16 FT to about 20 FT.
 25. Thesprinkler installation of claim 24, wherein the deflector is configuredto deflect liquid along the backwall to define a coverage area having awidth of at least 16 FT and a length as long as the length of the throw.26. The sprinkler installation of claim 25, wherein the coverage area is256 square feet.
 27. The sprinkler installation of claim 26, wherein theminimum flow rate is one of 38 GPM and 51 GPM.
 28. The sprinklerinstallation of claim 25, wherein the coverage area is 288 square feet.29. The sprinkler installation of claim 28, wherein the minimum flowrate is one of 43 GPM and 58 GPM.
 30. The sprinkler installation ofclaim 25, wherein the coverage area is 320 square feet.
 31. Thesprinkler installation of claim 30, wherein the minimum flow rate is oneof 48 GPM and 64 GPM.
 32. The sprinkler installation of claim 24,wherein the at least one sprinkler includes at least two sprinklershaving a minimum spacing therebetween of about 8 FT.
 33. The sprinklerinstallation of claim 24, wherein the at least one sprinkler defines aK-factor of greater than 5.8 GPM/(PSI)^(1/2).
 34. The sprinklerinstallation of claim 33, wherein the at least one sprinkler defines aK-factor of about 8 GPM/(PSI)^(1/2).
 35. The sprinkler installation ofclaim 33, wherein the at least one sprinkler defines a K-factor rangingfrom about 10.2 GPM/(PSI)^(1/2) to about 11.2 GPM/(PSI)^(1/2).
 36. Thesprinkler installation of claim 35, wherein the at least one sprinklerdefines a K-factor is about 11.2 GPM/(PSI)^(1/2).
 37. A method of fireprotection for ordinary hazard occupancy having a ceiling and abackwall, the method comprising: mounting at least one sidewallsprinkler having a deflector in a horizontal orientation along thebackwall of the occupancy such that deflect defines adeflector-to-ceiling spacing of about 6 in. to about 12 in, thesprinkler having an actuated and an unactuated state; coupling an inletof the sprinkler to a liquid supply such that there is a dry passagewayranging in length from about 4 inches to about 48 inches between theinlet and the deflector when the sprinkler is unactuated, the couplingfurther providing fluid communication between the inlet and thedeflector when the sprinkler is actuated; and providing a coverage arearanging from about 256 square feet to about 320 square feet.
 38. Amethod of operating a dry sidewall sprinkler having a sprinkler bodydefining a sprinkler axis and including a frame defining an outlet and apair of distally extending frame arms that converge toward the axis todefine a frame window, the sprinkler including a seat member disposed inthe outlet having a proximal surface and a distal surface, the methodcomprising: locating the seat member in the frame window; engaging thepair of frame arms with two points along the periphery of the distalsurface of the seat member to define a pivot axis substantiallyperpendicular to the sprinkler axis; and rotating the seat member aboutthe pivot axis with fluid discharge from the outlet to eject the seatmember from the window. 39-44. (canceled)